Raiders coach Jon Gruden’s love for the Bay Area runs deep, and despite it being the offseason fans could have found him kicking back at Ricky’s Sports Bar in San Leandro just south of Oakland Monday night.

And true to his nature, Gruden offered plenty of smiles and hugs to his friends and family while enjoying his evening. Gruden was said to have left relatively quickly after laying low early on after he began to start drawing attention by his mere presence, but not before Sara Mehalas was able to capture these beautiful and genuine photos.

“I love the city of Oakland. I had a son here. Some of my great memories in life are of Oakland, and I want to give them two of the best years of football that I can possibly help deliver,” Gruden said at his introductory press conference Jan. 9.

Gruden is a grinder to the core as the new league year doesn’t begin until March 13 but it doesn’t appear he has left the Bay Area since his official hiring in January. And it’s that type of passion and energy that should aid Gruden’s efforts in taking this talented roster to the next level in...